Research Horizon
Vol. 6 No. 3 (2026): Research Horizon - Juni 2026

Quality, Affordability, and Perceived Value in Low-Income Consumers’ Daily Purchase Decisions

Ayuningtyas Putri Mumpuni (Department of Management, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Enam Enam Kendari, Kendari, Indonesia)
Wahyuni Rahmah (Department of Management, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Enam Enam Kendari, Kendari, Indonesia)
Abdul Syaban (Department of Management, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Enam Enam Kendari, Kendari, Indonesia)
Asraf Asraf (Department of Management, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi Enam Enam Kendari, Kendari, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Jun 2026

Abstract

Low-income consumers are often viewed as highly price-sensitive market actors; however, recent studies suggest that their purchasing decisions are shaped not only by affordability considerations but also by product quality and perceived value. This study aims to examine the effects of perceived price affordability and perceived product quality on purchase decisions, as well as the mediating role of perceived product value among low-income consumers. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 160 low-income consumers selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4. The results indicate that perceived price affordability positively affects perceived product value and purchase decision. Perceived product quality also has positive effects on perceived product value and purchase decision, and represents the strongest predictor of perceived product value. Furthermore, perceived product value positively influences purchase decisions. Mediation analysis reveals that perceived product value significantly mediates the relationship between perceived product quality and purchase decision, but does not mediate the relationship between perceived price affordability and purchase decision. The findings suggest that low-income consumers evaluate affordability and quality simultaneously, with product quality playing a central role in value formation and purchasing decisions.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

RH

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

The journal aims to make significant contributions to applied research and knowledge across the globe through the publication of original and high-quality research articles. It publishes original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, case reports, letters to the editor, and commentaries, thereby ...